ISLAMABAD — The Pakistani government has mobilized military forces and enforced a strict three-day curfew in several northern regions after a wave of violent protests left at least 23 people dead. The unrest follows the confirmation of joint US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran, which resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
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The most severe violence erupted in Karachi, where a mob targeted the US Consulate. Security forces, including the paramilitary Rangers, engaged in a deadly standoff with protesters who managed to breach the facility’s outer perimeter. Casualties in the port city have reached double digits, with reports of extensive property damage and arson.
In the capital city of Islamabad, the “Red Zone”—home to the US Embassy and government buildings—remains under total lockdown. Authorities have suspended public transport and used shipping containers to block major arteries to prevent thousands of marchers from reaching the diplomatic enclave.
Crisis in the North
- A 72-hour curfew has been imposed to clear the streets.
- The Pakistan Army has taken over patrolling duties from local police.
- Reports indicate that international offices, including those belonging to the UN, have been targeted by demonstrators.
Diplomatic and Civil Response
While the Pakistani Foreign Office has formally condemned “Operation Epic Fury” as an act of regional destabilization, the government is walking a tightrope between diplomatic rhetoric and maintaining domestic order.
Current Restrictions Include:
- Indefinite closure of all US diplomatic missions for public services.
- Nationwide enforcement of Section 144, banning all political gatherings and rallies.
- Communication blackouts reported in specific “hot zones” to prevent the coordination of further protests.
Key Figures at a Glance
| Metric | Current Status |
| Confirmed Fatalities | 20–23 nationwide |
| Curfew Duration | 3 Days (Ending March 4) |
| Primary Conflict Zones | Karachi, Skardu, Islamabad, Gilgit |
| US Mission Status | Closed / Emergency services only |
